Spain is once again in the spotlight after a large-scale operation targeting international drug trafficking. This time, authorities encountered an unusual method of cocaine smuggling that could impact how contraband is combated in the country. As new trafficking schemes become increasingly sophisticated, law enforcement is forced to constantly refine its tactics.
During the operation in Barcelona, three suspects were arrested in connection with a major cocaine import network. What made this scheme unique was that the drugs were meticulously hidden inside marble sinks and countertops arriving from Brazil. To mask the scent, the criminals used perfumes and special fragrances, even covering the cocaine packages with a thick yellow substance. This approach was designed to deceive sniffer dogs and make the cargo harder to trace.
Hiding cocaine in marble
The smugglers shipped these consignments by air, an unusual tactic for such operations. The marble items containing hidden compartments would first arrive at Madrid airport and then be transported by road to an industrial area in Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona province. There, two suspects began cutting open the marble slabs to retrieve the concealed cocaine packages. However, their actions were interrupted when police special units stormed in, catching them completely off guard.
At the time of their arrest, the suspects attempted to destroy their mobile phones in order to conceal potential evidence. During the search, police officers discovered 25 bags of cocaine, and after a thorough inspection of the entire shipment of marble, another 250 kilograms of drugs were found. In total, 1.5 tons of cocaine were seized during the operation, making it one of the largest such cases in recent years.
International investigation
The investigation began back in November, when 1.2 tons of cocaine hidden inside marble tables intended for shipment to Spain were intercepted at Belo Horizonte Airport in Brazil. The first suspects were detained at that time; however, information about them was withheld for a long period due to the secrecy of the investigation. Spanish law enforcement then began to check whether any companies or individuals within the country were connected to the cargo.
It was subsequently revealed that a similar shipment had already arrived in Madrid, which could be part of the same scheme. Investigators determined that the criminal group used legitimate companies with an established business history as cover for their activities. One of the detainees turned out to be an administrator of such firms, and to test the police response, the criminals even sent a ‘test’ consignment with no drugs, filled only with bricks.
New challenges for police
The use of air transport for drug smuggling is becoming increasingly popular among criminal networks. Although this method is more expensive than maritime shipping, it allows for faster deliveries and exploits vulnerabilities in control systems. In 2024, the amount of cocaine seized at Barajas Airport rose nearly tenfold compared to the previous year, indicating growing cartel activity along this route.
According to police, criminals are constantly improving concealment techniques to bypass modern scanning and inspection systems. In this case, marble items served not only as hiding places but also made it difficult to detect the drugs even with technical equipment. Scent masking and the use of oily substances further complicated the work of sniffer dogs.
Context and trends
In recent years, Spain has faced an increase in attempts to import drugs through legal shipments and shell companies. Just in the past year, the number of intercepted cocaine shipments grew by 5.2%. In April, the Ministry of the Interior coordinated a large-scale operation involving 23 European countries aimed at cutting off drug trafficking routes from airports in the Americas and Africa. Similar schemes using building materials, furniture, and even home appliances have repeatedly drawn the attention of police.
Recalling recent incidents, it’s worth noting that in 2025 a network smuggling cocaine in tile containers was uncovered in Valencia, while in Malaga a shipment of drugs was found hidden in car parts. These incidents highlight that criminal organizations are not resting on their laurels and continue to seek new ways to circumvent controls. For Spanish law enforcement, this means they must constantly update their working methods and maintain close international cooperation.
